Parenting

recommendations from Pastor Mike Self.

For Parents

Preparing Your Son for Every Man's Battle

By Stephen Arterburn & Fred Stoeker

Parents, you have to do everything you can to prepare your son for the battle he will face in regards to sexual purity. This book isn't just about sex, but talked about purity and everything that confronts it on a daily basis. You can't afford to be silent on this issue. This book will give you some great tools and show you how to have natural conversation with your son about sexual integrity. Dad, if you're struggling in this area of purity, I recommend Every Man's Battle, or read Every Young Man's Battle with your teenage son.

Have a daughter? I recommend Preparing Your Daughter for Every Woman's Battle by Shannon Ethridge.

Age of Opportunity

By Paul Tripp

For the parents of teens or for parents headed that way, Age of Opportunity is a Biblical guide to parenting teens. Don't be satisfied with merely "surviving" the teenage years, but recognize what an incredible opportunity you have at this point in their lives to raise Godly men and women and prepare them for their next stage in life.

Raising Kids for True Greatness

By Dr. Tim Kimmel

It's important to understand that the world's view of greatness is very different from God's view of greatness. Kimmel writes, "What you are about to read is going to rock your world. It's what happens when you choose to run your Western view of success through the filter system of the Bible rather than run the Bible through your Western view of success." I found this book to be both practical and challenging. Kimmel defines true greatness as a passionate love for God that demonstrates itself in an unquenchable love and concern for others - even if that means sacrificing grades and athletics in the process.

Raising a Modern-Day Knight

By Robert Lewis

A great book that instructs dads how to guide their sons to authentic, Biblical manhood. It's filled with ideas on how to create special memories, celebrate milestones and prepare your son for his future roles as husband and father. Sure, some of the ideas are cheesy, but this book will instill in you a desire to create a manhood plan for your son. It's great for dads of all ages.

Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters

By Meg Meeker, M.D.

Dads, if you have ever doubted the importance you play in raising your daughter, read this book. With chapter titles like "Be the Man You Want Her to Marry" and "Protect Her, Defend Her (Use a Shotgun if Necessary)" you will see very clearly just how crucial your role is in raising a healthy daughter. It's very practical and inspiring.

Father Fiction: Reflections on Growing Up without a Father

By Donald Miller

Not everyone grows up with a dad. Miller explores his insecurities and shortcomings that he attributes to growing up without a father figure in his life. He writes with a brutal honesty while weaving great stories and examples from his own life that all men can identify with. It’s not until he’s an adult that he finds the father figure he’s been looking for. This is a great book for men working through their own issues with their fathers and for men who find themselves in mentoring roles.

Be a Better Dad Today: Ten Tools Every Father Needs

By Gregory Slayton

Challenging and practical - Slayton doesn’t beat around the bush when it comes to being a dad: “Not only does the future of civilization depend on how we do our job, but also our children’s future, our family’s future and our own future depend on it as well.” He doesn’t pull his punches! It’s not only a great book on fatherhood, but also one that challenges us in our role as husbands. It’s very practical on both accounts.